for
Conspicuous Gallantry
in Action during the
S.S. Mayaguez
Incident(May 15, 1975)

On
May 12, 1975, two weeks after the fall of Saigon ending the Vietnam War,
Cambodian Khmer Rouge naval forces operating former U.S. Navy
"Swift Boats" seized the American container ship SS
Mayaguez in recognized international sea lanes claimed as
territorial waters by Cambodia. The civilian crew was captured and held
for questioning, and the Mayaguez was moved to and anchored at
Koh Tang Island, just off the coast of Cambodia and near the Vietnam
border.

Late on that same evening, as CH-53 Sikorsky in a
flight out of Nakhon Phanom fell out of formation and exploded on
impact, killing all 23 men aboard. While purportedly a "training
flight", all 23 men aboard were posthumously awarded the Bronze
Star Medal. Meanwhile, reacting swiftly to the incident, President Ford
ordered the U.S.S. Coral Sea into the area while Air Force
reconnaissance aircraft monitored events and U.S. Marine ground forces
were assembled to recover the ship and her crew.

The joint Navy/Air Force/Marine Corps rescue
operation commenced at dawn on May 15, when eleven CH-53s began landing
Marines on Kho Tang Island. The rescue force was met with intense enemy
fire and four helicopters went down with their crews. The Mayaguez
was boarded by U.S. Marines and found empty. Unknown to other Marines
fighting for survival on the island in a battle that would last
15-hours, the Mayaguez' crew had also been released even as the
operation commenced.

In the intense fighting at Kho Tang Island and the
air operations in support of that mission, four helicopters were lost
and 41 Americans were killed in action (including the 23 killed in the
air crash in Thailand on May 13), 44 American Sailors and Marines were
wounded, and 3 were listed as missing in action. One Navy Cross and four
Air Force Crosses were awarded, along with with Silver Star Awards to
THREE U.S. Marines and FIVE Air Force Pararescuemen.

Award

Name

Branch

Navy
Cross

McDaniel,
James V.

USMC

Air
Force Cross

Backlund,
Donald R.

USAF

Brims,
Richard C.

USAF

Harston,
Jon D.

USAF

Purser,
Rowland W.

USAF

Silver
Star

Austin,
Randall W.

USMC

Bateson,
Thomas J.

USAF

Eldridge,
John J.

USAF

Eustis,
Michael S.

USMC

Fisk,
Wayne L.

USAF

Marx,
Brad E.

USAF

Stanaland,
Joseph S.

USAF

Tonkin,
Terry L.

USMC

Citations

McDANIEL, JAMES V.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy
Cross to James V. McDaniel, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for
extraordinary heroism on 15 May 1975 as Platoon Commander, First
Platoon, Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, THIRD Marine
Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, while engaged in the recovery
of S.S. MAYAGUEZ which had been seized in the Gulf of Thailand by units
of the Cambodian Navy. Landing on Koh Tang Island in the first
helicopter of the initial assault wave, Second Lieutenant McDaniel's
helicopter team immediately came under intense enemy fire. Quickly
organizing his small force, he attacked inland, securing a landing zone
for subsequent waves. Given the mission of neutralizing an enemy
automatic-weapons position, he organized an eight-man patrol. After
moving thirty meters through dense undergrowth, the patrol came under a
fierce enemy attack, instantly killing his point man and wounding five
out of the eight Marines, including Second Lieutenant McDaniel.
Painfully wounded and with complete disregard for his own safety, he
moved to the front of his patrol, aiding the wounded Marines and
directing fire into the enemy. Although in pain from multiple
fragmentation wounds and under intense enemy fire, he personally carried
two wounded Marines back to friendly lines. Only after ensuring that the
wounded Marines were being treated did he accept medical aid and then
immediately returned to his Platoon where he directed the defense in his
area, routinely exposing himself to enemy fire for the remainder of the
day. As the extraction of the Marine force began, he remained in the
landing zone, personally ensuring all members of his Platoon were
extracted. By his daring actions, inspiring leadership, and undaunted
courage in the face of grave danger, Second Lieutenant McDaniel upheld
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval
Service.Authority: Navy Department Board of
Decorations and Medals

BACKLUND, DONALD R.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force
Cross to Donald R. Backlund, First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, for
extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force
as a Helicopter Aircraft Commander of an HH-53 Helicopter of the 40th
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base,
Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in action on 15 May 1975 at Koh Tang Island,
Cambodia. On that date, while engaged in the recovery of the S.S. MAYAGUEZ and
crew, Lieutenant Backlund, exhibiting superb airmanship, placed a contingent
of United States Marines aboard the destroyer escort, U.S.S. Holt. He then
successfully landed several United States Marines on Koh Tang Island despite
intense ground fire. After escorting his wingman to the U.S.S. Coral Sea,
Lieutenant Backlund then returned to Koh Tang Island and successfully
recovered a group of United States Marines and airmen although encountering
heavy, consistent ground fire. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb
airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Lieutenant
Backlund reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air
Force.Special Orders GB-583, 7/14/1975, USAF
Personal Awards: Air Force Cross (S.S. Mayaguez Incident), Meritorious Service
Medal, 2@ Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medal

BRIMS, RICHARD C.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force
Cross to Richard C. Brims, First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary
heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-53
Helicopter Aircraft Commander of the 21st Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon
Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in action on 15 May
1975, at Koh Tang Island, Cambodia. On that date, while engaged in the
recovery of the S.S. MAYAGUEZ and crew, Lieutenant Brims successfully landed
United States Marines on Koh Tang Island despite overwhelming ground fire.
Prior to leaving the island, Lieutenant Brims held his position against heavy
ground fire and managed to extract five seriously wounded Marines. He then
twice flew his aircraft into intense ground fire, successfully removing
remaining groups of United States Marines. Through his extraordinary heroism,
superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces,
Lieutenant Brims reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United
States Air Force.Special Orders GB-583, 7/14/1975, USAF
Personal Awards: Air Force Cross (S.S. Mayaguez Incident), @ Meritorious
Service Medals, 2@ Air Medals, Joint
Service Commendation Medal, 2@ Air Force Commendation Medals

HARSTON,
JON D.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force
Cross to Jon D. Harston, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary
heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Helicopter
Flight Mechanic on board a CH-53 helicopter of the 21st Special Operations
Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in
action on 15 May 1975, at Koh Tang Island, Cambodia. On that date, while
engaged in the rescue of the crew and recovery of the SS Mayaguez, Staff
Sergeant Harston's helicopter encountered extremely heavy hostile fire and
crashed at the shoreline of Koh Tang Island. Although wounded in the leg,
Sergeant Harston reentered the burning aircraft and led three Marines to
safety. As the survivors of the crash swam away from the beach, Sergeant
Harston provided covering fire. He returned to the wrecked helicopter again to
pull out another wounded Marine. He then kept himself and two wounded Marines
afloat with his damaged life preserver until they were rescued by a navy
destroyer approximately three hours later. Through his extraordinary heroism
and willpower, in the face of the enemy, Staff Sergeant Harston reflected the
highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.Special Orders GB-583, 7/14/1975, USAF
Born: July 1948 at Newport News, Virginia
Home Town: Newport News, Virginia

PURSER, ROWLAND W.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force
Cross to Rowland W. Purser, Captain, U.S. Air Force, for extraordinary heroism
in military operations against an opposing armed force as an HH-53 Helicopter
Pilot of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, Nakhon Phanom Royal
Thai Air Base, Thailand, SEVENTH Air Force, in action on 15 May 1975 at Koh
Tang Island, Cambodia. On that date, Captain Purser made two tries under heavy
fire before landing 29 Marines on the island. He picked up another group of
Marines in Thailand and returned to Koh Tang Island. In the evacuation of the
Marines fro Koh Tang Island, Captain Purser's helicopter was severely damaged
and he had to return to the U.S.S. Coral Sea, which was nearby. Getting his
helicopter repaired, he returned to the island to pick up 54 Marines and
return them safely to the Coral Sea. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb
airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Purser
reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.Special Orders GB-583, 7/14/1975, USAF

U.S. Air Force

BATESON, THOMAS J.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Thomas J. Bateson, Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for
Sergeant Thomas J. Bateson distinguished himself by gallantry in
connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on
Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date,
Sergeant Bateson was the Pararescue Specialist of a helicopter crew
which on two separate missions delivered a contingent of United States
Marines to the island in spite of heavy and constant hostile ground
fire. Later on the same day while attempting to remove an isolated
Marine force, the aircraft received additional damage, was forced to
withdraw and make a single engine landing on the aircraft carrier U.S.S.
Coral Sea. After emergency repairs were accomplished, the aircraft
returned to the island and still facing intensive ground fire and with
the added hazard of total darkness made a successful removal of ground
crew forces. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the S.S.
MAYAGUEZ and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant
Bateson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States
Air Force.

ELDRIDGE, JOHN J.(Second Award)Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
John J. Eldridge, Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in
connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on
Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date,
Sergeant Eldridge was the Pararescue Specialist of a HH-53C helicopter
which flew three sorties spanning more than fourteen hours. Sergeant
Eldridge and fellow crew members placed United States Marines aboard the
destroyer escort U.S.S. HOLT and then escorted a damaged aircraft to
friendly territory where they recovered its contingent of the United
States Marines. They then delivered a contingent of United States
Marines to the island despite intensive hostile ground fire. They
remained close to the island and provided protective fire for another
aircraft and escorted it to safety. Later in the day, they returned to
the island and again braved heavy hostile fire to successfully remove a
group of United States personnel. This courageous action aided in the
recovery of the S.S. MAYAGUEZ and its crew. By his gallantry and
devotion to duty, Sergeant Eldridge has reflected great credit upon
himself and the United States Air Force.

FISK, WAYNE L.(Second Award)Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
Wayne L. Fisk, Technical Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in the
all-volunteer Joint Chiefs of Staff-directed United States Army and Air
Force military operation against an opposing armed force on Koh Tang
Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date, Sergeant
Fisk was the Pararescue Specialist of a CH-53 helicopter aircrew which
delivered a contingent of United States Marines to the Island. In spite
of extremely heavy automatic weapons and rocket fire, the crew delivered
the Marines to the small landing zone on the beach and provided
suppressive cover fire which successfully allowed for the removal of
wounded United States Marines from their perilous position. This
courageous action aided in the safe recovery of the S.S. MAYAGUEZ and
its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Sergeant Fisk has
reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

MARX, BRAD E.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Brad E. Marx, Airman First Class, U.S. Air Force,
for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing
armed force on Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975.
On that date, Airman Marx was the Pararescue Specialist of a CH-53
helicopter which flew three sorties spanning more than fourteen hours.
Airman Marx and fellow crew members placed United States Marines aboard
the destroyer escort U.S.S. HOLT and then escorted a damaged aircraft to
friendly territory where they recovered its contingent of United States
Marines. They then delivered a contingent of United States Marines to
the island despite intensive hostile ground fire. They remained close to
the island and provided protective fire for another aircraft and
escorted it to safety. Later in the day, they returned to the island and
again braved heavy hostile fire to successfully remove a group of United
States personnel. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the
S.S. MAYAGUEZ and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty,
Airman Marx has reflected great credit upon himself and the United
States Air Force.

STANALAND, JOSEPH S.(Second Award)Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to
Joseph S. Stanaland, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, for gallantry in
connection with military operations against an opposing armed force on
Koh Tang Island in the Gulf of Thailand on 15 May 1975. On that date,
Sergeant Stanaland was the Pararescue Specialist of a HH-53C helicopter
which flew three sorties spanning more than fourteen hours. Sergeant
Stanaland and fellow crew members placed United States Marines aboard
the destroyer escort U.S.S. HOLT and then escorted a damaged aircraft to
friendly territory where they recovered its contingent of United States
Marines. They then delivered a contingent of United States Marines to
the island despite intensive hostile fire. They remained close to the
island and provided protective fire for another aircraft and escorted it
to safety. Later in the day, they returned to the island and again
braved heavy hostile fire to successfully remove a group of United
States personnel. This courageous action aided in the recovery of the
S.S. MAYAGUEZ and its crew. By his gallantry and devotion to duty,
Sergeant Stanaland has reflected great credit upon himself and the
United States Air Force.

U.S. Marine Corps

AUSTIN, RANDALL W.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Randall W. Austin (0-75337), Lieutenant Colonel,
U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action
on 15 May 1975 as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Ninth
Marines while engaged in the recovery of S.S. MAYAGUEZ which had been
seized in the Gulf of Thailand by units of the Cambodian Navy. By his
daring actions, resolute determination, and inspiring leadership,
Lieutenant Colonel Austin reflected great credit upon himself, the
Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.Home Town: Glenside, Pennsylvania

EUSTIS, MICHAEL S.Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Michael S. Eustis, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 15 May
1975 as the Artillery Liaison Officer with Battalion Landing Team,
Second Battalion, Ninth Marines while engaged in the recovery of S.S.
MAYAGUEZ which had been seized in the Gulf of Thailand by units of the
Cambodian Navy. While participating in the assault operation of Koh Tang
Island, the helicopter in which First Lieutenant Eustis was riding was
hit by a heavy volume of enemy fire and crashed into the shallow water
just off the beach. As the burning wreckage lay in the water, First
Lieutenant Eustis began evacuating the trapped team from the aircraft
until it exploded and threw him into the water. Recovering quickly, he
noticed the severely wounded pilot struggling to escape the still
burning helicopter. Although wounded himself, First Lieutenant Eustis
came to the pilot's aid and pulled him away from the burning wreckage
and the ground fire coming from the island. Sensing the anger of their
position under the intense enemy fire and with only two life preservers
available for the nine survivors, he made a float with his trousers and
assisted others in doing the same. This allowed the party to clear the
danger zone and kept them afloat for three and a half hours until their
rescue. By his daring actions, resolute determination, and inspiring
leadership, First Lieutenant Eustis instilled the will to survive in the
others; thereby reflecting great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps,
and the United States Naval Service.

TONKIN, TERRY L.Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
Silver Star Medal to Terry L. Tonkin, First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine
Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action on 15 May
1975 as the Forward Air Controller with Battalion Landing Team, Second
Battalion, Ninth Marines while engaged in the recovery of S.S. MAYAGUEZ
which had been seized in the Gulf of Thailand by units of the Cambodian
Navy. While participating in the assault operation of Koh Tang Island,
the helicopter in which First Lieutenant Tonkin was riding was hit by a
heavy volume of enemy fire and crashed into the shallow water just off
the beach. By his daring actions and resolute determination First
Lieutenant Tonkin instilled the will to survive in the others; thereby
reflecting great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United
States Naval Service.